First, here’s a pic of our hiking friend, Beeline (one left) when he summited Mount Katahdin. Beeline’s mom shared the pic with me (Thanks, Cathy!). I’ve spent so much time with the hikers that I, too, am so proud of all of them. Good job, Beeline! Second, the next Post Hike Update blog will not be until later this week. Papa Chip, Chipmunk and I will be taking some much needed time with family over the next few days. Third, I will be starting the healthy weight loss adventure on 11-12-13, (November 12, 2013). Check here for more about that on 11-12-13 (don't you love that date!). In the meantime, feel free to email me (eventfultw@yahoo.com) healthy recipes, exercise options and ideas for active adventures.

Fourth, my apologies that I didn't get this update published sooner. We've run into some technical difficulties but are working to resolve them.

After a wonderful night of sleep, we dressed and went downstairs to the buffet breakfast. Papa Chip and I had Mediterranean omelettes and weren’t surprised to see that Chipmunk chose Froot Loops cereal. As we ate breakfast, the sun shone through the large windows, with the Presidential Mountain range in the background.

After breakfast, we gathered the last of our belongings and headed to the front desk to check out. Once we confirmed that we didn’t owe anything, we headed out the front doors of the beautiful Mount Washington Resort. A cold breeze met us and made me shiver a moment. I suppose it was also part of our transition back to regular life. We walked to the Chip Mobile which looked starkly out of place in the parking lot … but then again, there are few places where the Chip Mobile looks “typical.”We climbed in the cab and Papa Chip started the truck. It started right up … which for a 20 year old truck, is always good! When a bad noise also started up, we were keenly aware that we were no longer in the lap of luxury. The fan works intermittently and, basically, it’s old … and sounds like it’s old. It usually “levels out” once we get going. We drove south thru New Hampshire and Massachusetts. After a couple hours on the road, Papa Chip pulled into a McDonald’s so I could post the blog and so that the truck rear could cool down. We had a couple of sandwiches and drinks before hitting the road again. We drove towards my home state of New Jersey but I would not make it all the way to my mom’s home that evening. We drove for a few more hours, pulled into a rest area to let the truck rear cool down, use the restrooms, walk the dog, etc. Soon, we were back on the road and close to our destination of the evening: a meeting up with two very special men, one of whom is Chipmunk’s #1 Fan (self proclaimed, of course!). We pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant and Chipmunk climbed into the camper to grab one last item before we headed in to meet up with Leo Walker and Tom Kennedy of Hike for Mental Health. When we gave our names at the entrance, the hostess said, “One of you just broke a record, right?” I do believe Tom tells more people about my daughter’s accomplishment than I do … and I have a whole website about it! But, I love him for it. He really “gets” what we do. We met Leo for the first time although he and I have talked on the phone and exchanged emails as we set up Chipmunk’s relationship with Hike for Mental Health. He is a wonderful man and was very kind to us as Chipmunk defined why she wanted to promote Hike for Mental Health: to help teens struggling with the stigma of mental health issues.

We all sat together around the table and Tom could hardly wait to give Chipmunk the first of many items he brought with him to dinner. He gave her a HUGE bag of candy, likely leaving the local CVS store with little or no candy left for the moms and dads stocking up for Halloween Trick of Treating. Needless to say, Chipmunk LOVED her new stash of treats!

Before the appetizer arrived, Tom and Leo gave Papa Chip and me our very own Hike for Mental Health shirts … Niiiiiiiiice! We, too, believe in all that Hike for Mental Health does.

Tom K. gave Chipmunk some of the best hiking books around, including: a hardcover of the ATC “The Appalachian Trail”, a rare signed copy of “Walking North” by Mic Lowther, a signed copy of the “A.T. Guide” by David “AWOL” Miller, a signed copy of “The Barefoot Sisters Southbound” by Lucy and Susan Lechter and also a signed copy of the Barefoot Sisters “Walking Home”. In a nod to Chipmunk’s new record of Youngest Solo thru hiker, Tom gave her a hardbound copy of Jennifer Pharr Davis’ (who recently became the fastest female to ever complete the A.T.) “Called Again”. Tom … Thank you! Chipmunk and we will enjoy and be inspired by all of these wonderful life stories.

Chipmunk was eager to give Tom something that would thank him for all of his support. She told him to close his eyes and hold his hands out. He did and she placed in his hands the pair of boots that she wore when she summited Mt. Katahdin. Tom was very happy to receive them and was pleased that she didn’t clean them up, as I thought she should. He joked that he would have them mounted in a display box with holes drilled in it so that the “essence of the A.T.” could waft out!

Tom excused himself from the table and returned with a rather large framed item. It was the iconic AT symbol poster in a nice frame. Chipmunk has passed all of these symbols in the 2,185 miles she hiked this past half-year. Papa Chip and I immediately discussed just where to hang it in our living room at home. Chipmunk said she might like to hang it in her bedroom. I’m sure we can debate that more once we get back to Florida.

Tom and Leo also presented Chipmunk with a beautiful custom made plaque. It not only recognizes her for her feat but also gives recognition to Papa Chip and me for our support. I was teary eyed. All along, Tom has defended what we are doing. Thank you, Tom. For the record, I certainly hope that plaque hangs in our living room. Papa Chip and I are so very proud of our daughter’s feat and we want everyone who comes into our home to know it. Once all the gifts were exchanged, all the food eaten, and the drinks emptied … we still lingered and talked and laughed. It was such a wonderful evening and we all truly appreciate the kindness and support we’ve gotten from Tom, Leo and all of the Hike for Mental Health members and hikers!

Once all the gifts were exchanged, all the food eaten, and the drinks emptied … we still lingered and talked and laughed. It was such a wonderful evening and we all truly appreciate the kindness and support we’ve gotten from Tom, Leo and all of the Hike for Mental Health members and hikers! Hmmm, I wonder when Chipmunk will sign it. We all hugged and wished each other well and then Papa Chip, Chipmunk and I piled into the cab of the truck and waved good bye to our treasured friends. We drove a short distance and found our camp spot for the night. When I finally crawled into my bunk for the night and thought about all that the day held, I felt so good. My friend, Tom K., often says that he is a “better person for knowing” certain people. Tom, I truly aspire to be as good a person as you are. By knowing you, I feel like I get much closer to that goal. You are funny and kind and honest; you talk from the heart and you are often “dead on” about the state of our world. You are rare. Thank you for being you and for being a big part of all of this. Thanks again for all your support, Mama Chip, Papa Chip, Chipmunk and her dog, Chocolate Chip (Tammy, Jay, Neva and Coco)

I truly love you guys, and know i have made three friends that will last my lifetime. however long that is. you have touched me more than you will ever know. And I so hope we meet again at trail days next year. Neva don't forget if you write a book. Hike for Mental Health wants ten copies. and tammy turn your blog into a book also. I'm sure moms of thru hikers would love to read it.

Neva, you're a remarkable person and I have thoroughly enjoyed following your journey. Belated CONGRATULATIONS on your achievement! Has anyone contacted you yet about the possibility of your donating something, possibly a piece of your gear, to the A.T. Museum in Pennsylvania? You certainly deserve a place in A.T. history. If you're interested and want to talk to someone about what you could do, email me and I can give you a couple of names, with email addresses and phone numbers. Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! (And hugs to your wonderful parents.)

Your family is absolutely an inspiration. I have really enjoyed following along. I know your daughter has a bright future ahead of her and will accomplish anything she sets her mind to. All of you are amazing people.

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